AFC West

DENVER BRONCOS

The defense is playing well but isn't forcing turnovers. After two games, the team's turnover differential is minus-3. The defense can take the team a long way, but it must become more of a playmaking unit.... RB Quentin Griffin is terrific looking downfield to set up his moves and finding seams as they are developing. But sometimes Griffin lacks concentration. He has fumbled in both games.... DE Reggie Hazard has the talent to be a very good player. He has long arms, a strong upper body and a quick first step and is a good, but inconsistent, pass rusher. Hayward loses focus at times and gets caught out of position in the running game. PROBLEM SPOT: The Broncos have trouble rushing against big, tough defenses. As good as their zone-blocking schemes and cutback style can be, when things get physical, they will usually lose. Griffin has trouble moving the pile, and the team will miss RB Mike Anderson (groin, out for the season) in short-yardage situations.--Patrick Saunders

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

QB Trent Green is pressing and forcing too many of his throws. He did a great job the last two seasons of letting the game come to him and taking what was available. Until he returns to that mode, the offense figures to struggle.... LCB Eric Warfield is off to a great start and may finally be turning into a reliable player. His biggest problem has been lapses in concentration, but he has improved his focus. He also is anticipating receivers' moves.... Rookie WR Richard Smith, who has been pressed into action, has dropped passes and run the wrong routes. The club should activate Chris Horn from the practice squad. Horn lacks speed but has great hands. PROBLEM SPOT: RT John Welbourn hasn't handled the position the way the team had hoped. Welbourn played mostly guard with the Eagles and has struggled against speed rushers. The Chiefs haven't been able to use him the way they do their other linemen, as a lead blocker on sweeps and traps.--Adam Teicher

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Jerry Rice, 41, is being phased out as a go-to player in favor of younger WRs Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel, Ronald Curry and Alvis Whitted. Rice remains a starter, but he no longer is on the field for as many critical plays. The team benefits by getting more big plays on routes it rarely attempts with Rice as the target. The speed of the younger receivers fits in better with coach Norv Turner's big-play offense.... FB Zack Crocker is a powerful runner and above-average blocker and receiver. He still won't get more than a handful of touches each game because of RBs Tyrone Wheatley and Justin Fargas. PROBLEM SPOT: It is taking longer than desired to get plays called and relayed to QB Rich Gannon, resulting in wasted timeouts, delay-of-game penalties and plays on which not everyone knows the call. Turner has taken more of a lead role in calling plays in an attempt to streamline the process. Two assistants help him call plays.--Steve Corkran

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

QB Drew Brees has had a tendency to throw too high early in games, possibly an indication he's pressing to start off fast. He has settled down in the second half, but the team is searching for ways to get him going early.... Teams are throwing away from CB Quentin Jammer, preferring to take their chances with CB Sammy Davis. Jammer (6-0, 204) has more experience and is bigger and more physical than Davis (6-0, 190), who has given up yards but has been stingy in the red zone.... Knocked during his first two seasons for his sloppy routes and inconsistent hands, WR Reche Caldwell appears to have found his rhythm. He could establish himself as the No. 1 receiver. PHIBLIN The Chargers, who ranked last in the NFL in red zone defense last year, again are struggling to stop teams in that area. Opponents have scored touchdowns on six of their last nine series inside the 20. Teams have had much of their success between the tackles, gashing the Chargers' undersized linemen.--Jim Trotter

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